Apparatus for sorting switch ties



Sept. 26, 1961 T. G. ROGERS APPARATUS FOR SORTING SWITCH TIES 6 Sheets-Sheet 1 Original Filed A ril ls, 1958 ATTORNEY Sept. 26, 1961 T. G. ROGERS APPARATUS FOR SORTING SWITCH TIES 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed April 16, 1958 INVENTOR 790/ 105 fi/Paaaea 7 M ATTORNEY Sept. 26, 1961 -r. G. ROGERS 3,001,649

APPARATUS FOR SORTING SWITCH TIES Original Filed April 16, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet 3 R I C Q a a F i Q E INVENT OR fi/o/ ms Eaa-ves WWW ATTORNEY Sept. 26, 1961 T. ca. ROGERS APPARATUS FOR SORTING SWITCH TIES 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 Original Filed April 16, 1958 IN VENTOR 3 6R \N mi IT 1 W3 v3 WH H IHI P HHJI IH HHH'H I I l I l I l l I I I J.

ZZIUMAS Basie:

mafia ATTORNEY p 6 T. G. ROGERS 3,001,649

APPARATUS FOR SORTING SWITCH TIES Original Filed April 16, 1958 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 G a} r; w a 1 9% #3 E V) m K0 ii m h Q A E t?- R m J K k Q Q X K5 I: m R

IN 7 ENTOR 77/0/ 445 Pod-25 WJ W ATTORNEY 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 T. G. ROGERS APPARATUS FOR SORTING SWITCH TIES Sept. 26, 1961 Original Filed April 16, 1958 ATTORNEY United States Patent *Ofiice ast ma Patented Sept. 26, 1961 3,001,649 APPARATUS FOR SORTING SWITCH TIES Thomas Gibbs Rogers, Atlanta, Ga., assignorto Southern Wood Preserving Company, Atlanta, Ga., a corporation of Georgia Original application Apr. 16, 1958, Ser. No. 728,879. Divided and this application Aug. 10, 1959, Ser. No.

3 Claims. (Cl. 209-39) This invention relates to the handling of switch ties in wood preserving plants and has more particular reference to apparatus for sorting switch ties after they have been trimmed into predetermined lengths.

One object of the present invention is to provide in a system for trimming green switch ties torequired lengths and then automatically sorting the trimmed ties into length groups in which each green switch tie is automatically loaded onto conveyor means and conveyed past a marking station where both ends of the tie are cut oil, and then through a series of unloading stations where each tie is ejected from one of the stations automatically, the ejecting operation being determined by the length of the tie so that all trimmed tics of the same length group will be ejected at the same unloading station, novel and improved apparatus for sorting the ties after they have been trimmed to the desired lengths.

Another object of the present invention is to provide in a system, as characterized above, counting means operated by the ties after they have been trimmed for determining the total number of ties of each length which have passed through the system.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will appear in the specification, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a plan view, with parts broken away, of one embodiment of apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention, and the arrangement thereof for carrying out the operation of the system;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view, taken on the line 22 of FIG. 1, and showing details of the delivery conveyor and the receiving end of the conveyor for transporting the ties past the marking 'device;

FIG. 3 is a vertical sectional view, taken on the line 33 of FIG. 2, and showing details of construction of the delivery conveyor;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the marking device;

FIG. 5 is a vertical cross sectional view, taken on the line 5'--5 of FIG. 4;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are vertical sectional views showing the details of a marker element;

FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view, taken on the line 8-3 of FIG. 1, showing details of the saw mechanism;

FIG. 9 is a vertical sectional view, taken on the line 9-9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a vertical sectional view, taken on the line 1l 10 of FIG. 1, and showing details of the construction of the trimming conveyor;

FIG. 11 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 11-41 of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged vertical sectional view showing the details of the limit switch shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 1313 of FIG. 1, and showing the details of an unloa ing station;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a wiring diagram showing the manner in which limit switches control the operation of the delivery conveyor; 1

FIG. 16 is a wiring diagram showing the manner in which limit switches control the operation of the marking device;

FIG. 17 is a wiring diagram showing the connection of the electrical counter devices to the counter recorders;

FIG. 18 is a wiring diagram showing the manner in which limit switches control the operation of the unloading mechanism at an unloading station; and

FIG. 19 is a modified form of wiring diagram generally similar to that shown in FIG. 18, but showing a modified manner of operating the unloading mechanism.

This application is a division of my pending application SerrNo. 728,879, filed April 16, 1958, for Apparatus for Trimming and Sorting Switch'Ties, now Patent No. 2,938,552.

Heretofore, in the process of trimming green switch ties into various required lengths and sorting the trimmed ties into length groups for subsequent transportation to the seasoning yard, the green ties, which are of various lengths, were placed on a conveyor and moved to a sawing station where the front end was trimmed, the tie was measured, and the point for trimming the rear end so that the longest possible desired length could be obtained, was marked, the rear end was cut at the mark, then the same operator marked the length of the tie on its upper surface and moved it to a conveyor which carried the tie past loading stations, at one of which the tie was manually unloaded according to the marking showing its length. This process required the use of a large number of men to carry it out.

The present invention provides, in a system for trimming green switch ties into various required lengths and then sorting the trimmed ties into length groups for subsequent transportation to the seasoning yard, improved apparatus for sorting the ties comprising an elongated conveyor onto which the trimmed ties are passed, which has a plurality of longitudinally spaced unloading stations thereon, each unloading station rbeing equipped with mechanism for automatically unloading ties of one predetermined length group on one side of the conveyor and ties of another predetermined length group on the'other side of the conveyor, the unloaded ties slidedowninclined Imps from which they are picked up and transported to the seasoning yard where they are formed into seasoning'ricks. Counting mechanisms are positioned on the conveyor and at each unloading station, which operate a register at the control station (saw station) so that the number of ties of each length produced will be separately registered as well as the total number of ties which pass through the apparatus.

Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated, in FIG. 1, one embodiment of apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention. As there shown, the apparatus comprises three longitudinally aligned elongated power driven conveyors, a first or marking conveyor 10 having a marking device, indicated generally at 11, mounted adjacent thereto for marking the ties as they pass along the conveyor; a second or trimming conveyor 12 having a swinging saw assembly, indicated generally at 13, mounted adjacent thereto for trimming the ends of the ties; a third or sorting conveyor 14 having a plurality of longitudinally spaced unloading stations, each indicated generally at 15, positioned therealong; and a delivery conveyor, indicated generally at 16, positioned to deliver the green switch ties, one at a time, onto the marking conveyor 19.

While the conveyors 10, 12 and 14 may be of any suitable usual power driven type, in the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated, they are generally similar in construction and, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4 and 10, each comprises a spaced parallel pair of beams 17; a plurality of longitudinally spaced transverse rollers 18 having their axles journaled in or on the beams 17, with one end of the axles of all of the rollers projecting beyond a beam 17 and carrying a pair of sprocket wheels 19, 20; chains 21 connecting the sprocket wheels of one roller of each pair of rollers and each roller of each pair; and a motor 22 connected by a chain 23 to drive the rollers. Suitable guard rails may be mounted on the upper surfaces of the beams 17 at any point, if desired, for guiding the ties as they move along the conveyor.

' The conveyors 10, 12 and 14 are mounted in longitudinal alignment on suitable supporting frames, indicated generally at 24. i

The marking device 11, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 7, comprises an elongated shaft 25 journaled in a plurality of spaced upright bearing members 26 fixedly mounted on the outer beam 17 of the marking conveyor; a plurality of axially spaced holder arms 27 pivotally mounted on the shaft 25 for individual swinging movement thereon; a plurality of retaining and guide loops 23 fixedly mounted on the shaft 25 in axially spaced relation and with each loop having one of the holder arms 27 projecting therethrough; a plurality of marker members 29, each attached to the outer end of one of the holder arms 27; a laterally projecting operating arm 30 fixedly attached to the shaft 25; a double acting compressed air cylinder 31 having a piston 32 projecting from one end and pivotally connected to the free end of the operating arm 30 for rotating the shaft 25; and a solenoid operated valve 33 for controlling the flow of compressed air to and from the cylinder 31.

The marker members 29 are identical in construction and, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, each comprises an elongated open-ended cylinder 34 having a removable cover 35 on its upper end; a small open-ended cylinder 36 having its upper end detachably attached to the cylinder 34 and having a seat 37 formed in its bottom open end; a ball 38 normally and resiliently held in position on the seat 37 by an elongated coil spring 39 mounted in the two cylinders. The cylinders 34 and 36 are filled with a marking fluid and whenever the shaft 25 is rotated to bring the bottom end of the marking members down on the upper surface of a tie, each of the marking members will make a mark thereon.

The foregoing construction permits each marker to make a mark on the upper surface of a tie regardless of the unevenness of the upper surface.

The marking members 29 are spaced a predetermined distance apart, preferably six inches, and the marking member adjacent the sawing station is spaced a predetermined distance, preferably nine feet, from the transverse path followed by the saw as it is swung forwardly to trim the tie. This arrangement permits the longest desired tie possible to be cut from the green tie, as the saw I operator, after trimming the front end of the tie, then trims the after end at the last mark thereon, so that all the ties will be 9', 9 /2, 10 /2, etc., with the length increasing in increments of 6" up to the distance of the aftermost mark from the transverse path of travel of the swinging saw. By removing marker members 29 from their holder arms 27, it is very easy to discontinue marking or cutting lengths that are not desired.

The solenoid operated valve 33, which controls the flow of compressed air to and from the double-acting cylinder 31, may be any suitable solenoid operated valve of the general type shown in US. Patent No. 2,616,449, granted November 4, 1952, to Maha, in which a pilot valve is operated by two small solenoids, each controlled by an independent electrical circuit, to control the movements of a master valve which, in turn, controls the flow of the compressed air to and from the apparatus to be operated thereby. Preferably, and in the particular embodiment of the invention illustrated, the solenoid'operated valve 33 is a solenoid Pilot-Master valve manufactured by the Hannifin Corporation of Des Plaines, Illinois, and listed in its Bulletin 232 of March 1953 as a P-M Series BB-4-75 Solenoid Master Pilot Valve.

LAS schematically illustrated in FIG. 5, the valve 33 is shown as comprising a valve house 40 in which is mounted a 4-way poppet-type master valve; a solenoid pilot head 41 in which is mounted a small 3-way poppet-type valve; and a pair of cover members 42, 43 mounted on the valve body on opposite sides of the pilot head. and in each of which is mounted a solenoid for operating the 3-way poppet-type valve to control the 4-way master valve; When the solenoid mounted incover member 42, and for purposes of description called the down solenoid, is energized the valve 33 will be operated to admit air through conduit 44 to the bottom end of the cylinder 31 and exhaust-air from the top end of the cylinder through conduit 45, thereby causing the cylinder to rotate the shaft 25 so as to swing the markers from their up or inoperative position to a down or operative position. And when the solenoid mounted in the cover member 43, and for purposes of description called the up solenoid, is energized, the valve 33 will be operated to admit air to the top of the cylinder 31 and exhaust air from the bottom thereof, through the conduits 45 and 44, respectively, thereby causing the cylinder to rotate the shaft 25 so as to swing the markers from their down or operative position to their up or inoperative position. Air is admitted to and exhausted from the valve body 40 by means of suitable pipes (not shown) connected in pipe taps 46 and 47, respectively. In this type of valve the pilot valve has no spring to return the valve stem, being operated entirely by the two solenoids, and the valve stem remains at either end of its stroke until the other solenoid is energized to shift it; thus closing either solenoid circuit only momentarily will operate the valve.

The swinging saw mechanism 13 (FIGS. 8 and 9) may be of any usual suitable type and, as shown, comprises a rotary saw 48 having its shaft 49 journaled in the loWer end of a depending swingable carriage 50 having its upper end journaled in a suitable supporting frame, indicated generally at 51. vThe saw is driven by a belt 52 connecting a pulley 53 fixedly mounted on the saw shaft to a pulley 54 fixedly mounted on the armature shaft of a motor 55 which is mounted on a platform carried by the upper end of the swinging carriage 50.

The saw is normally held in a non-cutting position at one side of the conveyor and the operator pulls the saw forwardly across the path of travel of the tie to trim the ends thereof by grasping a handle 56 mounted on the saw carriage. A guard 57 may be provided for the saw if desired.

The saw operator controls the operation of the marking conveyor and the trimming conveyor by means of control switches 58, '59 connected to the motors 22 which drive the respective conveyors. The switches 58 and 59 are mounted on the inner beam 17 of the trimming conveyor (see FIG. 1) readily accessible to the saw operator and, by means of these control switches, the saw operator can move ties backward and forward on the two conveyors and from one conveyor to the other, or stop one or both conveyors, thus enabling him to readily position a tie for trimming.

The operation of the marking device 11 is automatic and is controlled by the operation of the swinging saw by means of a double-throw limit switch 60 connected in the circuits to the up and down solenoids of the solenoid operated valve 33 and .by means of a single pole limit switch 61 connected in the circuit to the down solenoid of the solenoid operated valve 33.

The limit switch 60, which may be of any usualsuitable double-pole type, is mounted on the supporting frame 51 of the swinging saw assembly in a position so that its actuating arm 62 will be engaged by the swingable carriage of the saw assembly each time the saw is swung forwardly to trim the end of a tie and operate the doublepole limit switch to open the circuit to the up solenoid and close the circuit to the down solenoid, the switch .nonnally being resiliently .held .in aposition to close .the

circuit to the up solenoid and .open .the circuit tothe idown.solenoid. See FIG..16.

The limit switch 61 (see FIGS. to 12 and 16), which maybe of any usual suitable. single-pole type, .is mounted on the trimming conveyor belowthe top level of the conveyor rollers and at a point intermediate the swinging saw and the receiving end of the conveyor. .The switch is normally resiliently held in open position .and has an upstanding operating arm '63 positioned to .be engaged byan actuator 64 in the form of a rectangular plate 65 having one end fixedly secured to ashaft 66 extending transversely of the conveyor and having its ends journaled in the structural members 17 thereof. The .shaft 66 is positioned below the tops of the .conveyor rollers and the .plate 65 is normally heldin an up position in which its free .end israised above the tops of the conveyor .rollersby means of a counterweight 67 rigidly connected .to .the plate-and normally resting on a rod 68 extending between the structural members 17. The construction and arrangement is such that, as a tie is received on the trimming conveyor and moved toward the saw it will engage the plate 65 and depress it, thereby moving the operating arm 63 ofthe limit switch downwardly to close the switch, thus closing the circuit to the down solenoid of solenoid operated valve -33.

The electrical circuits which permit the control of the solenoid operated valve 33 by limit switches 60 and 61 are diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 16. As there shown, the circuit for operating the down solenoid of the valve 33 may be traced from the 110 volt supply line S through wire 69 to the down solenoid and from the down solenoid through wire 70 to limit switch 61 and from limit switch 61 through wire 71 to contact 72 of double-pole limit switch 60 and fromcontact '73 of switch 60 through wire 74 back to supply line S.

The circuit for operating the up solenoid of valve 33 may be traced from supply line vS through wire 75 to the up solenoid and from the up solenoid through wire 76 to contact 77 of double-pole limit switch 60, and from contact 78 of switch 60 through .wire 79 back to supply line S.

From the foregoing, the manner in which the operation of the marker is controlled by the operation of the saw is believed apparent. Limit switch 60 is normally resiliently maintained in position to open the circuit to the down solenoid and to close the circuit to the up solenoid, thereby positively holding the markers in their .up or inoperative position; limit switch 61 is normallyresiliently maintained in position to open the circuit to the down solenoid. Accordingly, each time the forward endofa .tie is moved from the marking conveyor onto-thetrimming conveyor in position to have its forward end trimmed, the tie will rest on the plate 65 of actuator 64, thereby causing the limit switch 61 to close the circuit to the down solenoid'so that when :the saw is swung forwardly to trim the forward endof the tie, the down solenoid ofvalve 33 will beienergized and the up solenoid vdeenergized and the markers willbemoved down to make their marks on the after end portion of the tie. When the saw is moved rearwardly after making its cut, the limit switch 60 will be resiliently operated to open the circuit to-the down solenoid and close the circuit to the up solenoid, thereby causing the markers to be raised to their up*or inoperative position. After the forward end of the tie has been trimmed, it is moved to trim the afterend of the tie, thereby operating the limit switch.:60 to .close .the circuit to the down sole- 6 noid, the markers -willnot be operated but willremain in their up or inoperative position.

While the single pole limit switch 61 and its actuator 64 havebeen described and shown as being mounted on the trimming conveyor at'a point intermediate the swinging saw and the receiving end of the conveyor and normally resiliently held in open position, obviously, the limit switch and its actuator could be positioned on the conveyor ashortdistance beyond the swinging saw in the normal direction of travel of the ties on the trimming conveyor and, when so positioned, would normally be resiliently maintained in a closed position, being opened when its actuator was depressed by engagement with a tie while in position to have its after end trimmed.

After each tie has had its forward and after ends trimmed it is moved from the trimming conveyor .12 onto the sorting conveyor 14. The sorting conveyor,.on which are located the unloading stations 15, runs continuously, while the system is in operation; however, a .control switch 80 connected in the circuit to the motor which runs the sorting conveyor, is mounted adjacent the control switches 58 and 59 for the marking and trimming conveyors, for operation by the saw operator (see FIG. 1).

Any number of unloading stations 15 may be located on the sorting conveyor, the number depending upon the number of different-length groups of ties to be sorted. At each unloading station two dilferent length groups of ties are unloaded, one length group of ties on one side of the conveyor, another length group of ties on the other side of the conveyor.

All of the unloading stations are generally similar in construction and, 'asshown in FIGS. 13 and 14,:eachstation includesa pair of kick-off devices 81, 81'; a pair of compressed .air cylinders .82, 82' for operating the kickoft"v devices 81, 81', respectively; a pair of solenoid operated valves: 83, S3, for controlling the fiow of compressed air to. and-from the cylinders 82, 82, respectively; a pair of ramps :84, 84, inclining downwardly and outwardly from opposite sides of the conveyor to receive the-ties kickedofi b y thekick-offdeviees 81, 81, respectively; and apair of counter devices 85, 85 mounted on the ramps 84,.84',.respectively,.in position to be operated by a tie as it slides down the ramp, for counting the total number oftiespassing down the ramp.

The kick-0d device 81 comprises a shaft 86 journaled in bracket bearings 87 fixedly attached to the outer beam 1'7 of the sorting conveyor; an axially spaced pair of kickoff arms 88, 88, fixedly secured to the shaft 86 and projecting inwardly therefrom; and a depending operating arm '89 fixedly secured to the shaft 86. The shaft-86 is positionedbelow the rollers of the sorting conveyor with the kick-oil arms 88, 88 extending transversely of the conveyor between the rollers and normally held in an inoperative position below the tops of the rollers of the conveyor. The compressed air cylinder 32 may be of any usual double acting type and has a piston stem 90 projectingfrom one end, which ispivotally connected to the operating arm 89 for rotating the shaft 86. Air conduits 91, 92 connecttherespective ends o-f'the cylinder 82 to the solenoid. operated valve 83.

The solenoid operated valve 83 is similar to the solenoid operated valve 33 employed to operate the marking device, and operates in a similar manner. Compressed air is supplied to thevalve by means of a branch conduit 93 connected to a suitable compressed header which extendsthe length of the sorting conveyor.

The kick-oft device 81 is similar in construction to kickoff device81; its shaft 86' is journaled in bracket bearings .87 fixedly attached to the beam 17 of the conveyor opposite the beam on which the kick-off device 81 is mounted and its kick-0E arms 88', 88 project inwardly therefrom. The shaft 86 is positioned below'the rollers of the conveyor with the kick-0E arms S8, 88 projecting inwardlytherefrom. The shaft 86' is positioned below the rollers of the conveyor with the kick-off arms 88', 88' extending transversely of the conveyor between the rollers and normally held in an inoperative position below the tops of the rollers. The compressed air cylinder 82' is similar to cylinder 82 and has a piston stem 90f projecting from one end, pivotally connected to the operating arm 89' for rotating the shaft 86.

Air conduits 91', 92' connect the respective ends of the cylinder 82' to solenoid operated valve 83'. Solenoid operated valve 83' is similar to valve 83 and operates in a similar manner. Compressed air is supplied to valve 83 by means of branch conduit 93.

The counter devices 85, 85' may be of any suitable usual construction; each is electrically connected to operate a register device R mounted on a common support panel P for all the register devices, which is conveniently located at the saw station (see FIG. 1).

In addition to the counter devices 85, 85' at each unloading station, a counter device 85" is mounted on the sorting conveyor adjacent its receiving end and is electrically connected to operate a register R mounted on the common support panel P so that the total number of trimmed ties will be recorded. The wiring connections between the counter devices and their respective recorders are schematically illustrated in FIG. 17.

The operation of the kick-01f devices 81, 81' at each station is automatic and is controlled by the particular length of each tie as it is received on the station by means of four limit switches 94, 95,96 and 97, connected in the circuits to the up and down solenoids of the solenoid operated valves 83', 83', which control the operation of the kick-oil devices.

The limit switches 94, 95, 96 and 97, schematically shown in FIG. 18, may be of any suitable usual type and are mounted on the sorting conveyor below the top level of the conveyor rollers and are longitudinally spaced at predetermined distances from each other and with their respective upstanding operating arms 98, 99, 100 and 101 positioned to be engaged by actuators 102, 103', 104, and 105, respectively. The actuators 102, 103, 104 and 105 are similar in construction to the actuator 64 which operates limit switch 61 employed to control the operation of the marking device, and are mounted on the conveyor in a similar manner so that each actuator will be successively engaged and operated by each tie passing through the unloading station. As shown in FIG. 14, actuator 103, 'which'operates the limit switch 95 is positioned intermediate the ends of the ramps 84, 84', actuator 102 which operates limit switch 94 is positioned to the left of the two ramps, as viewed in FIG. 14, and actuators 104 and 105 are positioned to the right of the two ramps, as viewed .in FIG. 14. Actuators 104 and 105 are longitudinally spaced predetermined distances from actuator 102, the distances being determined bythe two length groups of ties to be kicked ofi at the station.

Limit switch 94 is "a single pole switch normally held in closed position by resilient means and is connected in the circuit to the up solenoids of solenoid operated valves 83, 83'. r

7 Limit switch 95 is a double pole switch connected in the circuit to the up solenoids of valves 83, 83' and in the circuits to the down solenoids of valves 83, 83.

Limit switch 95 is normally resiliently held in position to close the circuits to the down solenoids of valves 83, 83 and to open the circuits to the up solenoids of the two valves.

Limit switch 96' is a double pole switch connected in the circuits to the up solenoids of valves 83, 83. Limit switch 96 is normally resiliently held in position to close the circuit to the up solenoid of valve 83 and open the circuit to the up solenoid of valve 83. Limit switch 97 is a single pole switch normally held in closed position by resilient means and is connected in the circuit to theup solenoid of valve 83'.

As shown in FIG. 18, the circuit for operating the up solenoid of valve 83 may be traced from the supply line S through wire 106 to' the up solenoid, and from the up solenoid through wire 107 to contact 108 of double pole switch 96, from contact 109 of switch 96 through wire 110 to contact 111 of double pole switch 95, from contact 112 of switch 95 through wire 113 to single pole switch 94, and from switch 94 through wire 114 back to supply line S.

The circuit for operating the down solenoid of valve 83 may be traced'from the supply line S through wire 115 to the down solenoid and from the down solenoid through wire 116 to contact 117 of double pole switch 95 and from contact 118 of switch 95 through wire 119 back to supply line S.

The circuit for operating the up solenoid of valve 83' may be traced from supply line S through wire 120 to the up solenoid and from the up solenoid through wire 121 to sin le pole switch 97 and from switch 97 through wire 122 to contact 123 of double pole switch 96, from contact 124 of switch 96 through jumper connection 125 to contact 109 of switch 96, from contact 109 of switch 96 through wire 110 to contact 111 of double pole switch 95, from contact 112 of switch 95 through wire 113 to single pole switch 94 and from switch 94 through wire 114 back to supply line S.

The circuit for operating the down solenoid of valve '83 may be traced from the supply line S through wire 126 to the down solenoid and from the down solenoid through wires 127 and 116 to contact 117 of doub e pole switch 95, from contact 118 of switch 95 through wire 119 back to supply line S.

The manner in which the limit switches at each unloading station are operated to cause all ties of one predetermined length group to be kicked off on one side of the conveyor onto ramp 84, all ties of another predetermined length group to be kicked oii on the other side of the conveyor onto the ramp 84' and permit all ties having a length greater than the ties belonging to the two predetermined'length groups to be kicked-off, to pass through the loading station to the next succeeding loading station is believed apparent. For example, if it is to be assumed that at the unloading station all ties 9' in length are to be kicked-off onto ramp 84, all ties 9' 6" in length are to be kicked off onto ramp 84, and all ties over 9 6" in length are to be permitted to pass through the loading station, then limit switch 96 and its actuator would be positioned at such a distance from limit switch 94 and its actuator as to permit a tie 9' in length, as it travels down the conveyor, to move out of engagement with actuator 102 of limit switch 94 before it engaged actuator 104 of limit switch 96, and limit switch 97 and its actuator 105 would be positioned at such a distance from limit switch 94 and its actuator 102 as to permit a tie 9' 6" in lengthas it travels down the conveyor to move out of engagement with actuator 102 of limit switch 94 before it engaged actuator 105 of limit switch 97. Thus, as a tie moves along the conveyor into the unloading setation it would first engage actuator 102 of limit switch 84 and, by depressing the actuator, open the normally resiliently held closed switch, next the tie would engage actuator 103 and by depressing the actuator move the double pole switch 95 from its normally resilient maintained position, to the position in which it opens the circuits to the down solenoids of valves 83, 83 and closes the circuits to the up solenoids of the two valves; then, if the tie is 9 in length it will move out of engagement with actuator 102 of switch 94 before it engages actuator 104 of switch 96 and switch 94 will be resiliently closed, thus completing the closing of the circuit to the up solenoid of valve83, thereby causing the kickoif device 81 to operate to kick the tie otf the conveyor onto ramp 84; if the tie is 9' 6" in length it will have engaged and depressed actuator 104 of switch 96 before it has moved out of engagement with actuator 102 of switch 94 and, by depressing actuator 104 move the dou- .aoonme 9 ble pole switch 96 from its .normallyresilientlymaintained position in which it closed the .circuit to the'iup solenoid of valve 83 and opens thecircuit to'up solenoidof valve 83 to a position in which the circuit to the up solenoid of valve 83 is opened and the circuit to up solenoid of valve 83' is closed; then, as the 9' 6" tie moves along the conveyor it will move out of engagement with actuator 102 of switch 94 before it ongages actuator 165 of switch 97 and switch .94 will be resiliently closed, thus completing the closing of the drcuit to the up solenoid of valve 83, thereby causing kick-off device 81' to operate to kick the tie off the con- Veyor onto the ramp 84; ifthe tie is over'9' 6" in length it will have engaged and depressed actuator 105 of switch 97 before .it has moved out of engagement'vwith actuator 182 of switch -94, and, by depressing actuator 105, open the normally resiliently held closediswitch 97, thereby opening the circuit to the up solenoid of valve 83 and the tie vw'll pass on through the unloading station to the next unloading stationon the sortingconveyor where ties 10 in length will be kicked off onto the ramp 84 thereof, ties l 6" in length will be kicked ofi onto the Iarnp'84' thereof, and ties over 6" in length will pass through the station with each successive unloading station kicking ofi two greater length groups of ties in a similar manner.

As-the trimmed switch ties range inlengthfrom 9' up to 26, with each length group increasing in increments of 6" from the'neXt lesser length group it is sometimes desirable to arrange the limit switches so that the longest length ties will be kicked olf first, as shown in FIG. 1.

The arrangement and location of limit siwtches and their actuators for accomplishing this at a loadingstation is schematically illustrated in FIG. 19. As there shown, three limit switches 128, 129 and 130 are mounted on the conveyor below the bottom level of therollers thereof and in a predetermined longitudinally spaced relation.

' The limit switches 128, 129 and 130 are similar in corn struction to the limit switches shown in FIG. 18 and each has an upstanding operating arm positioned to beengaged and depressed by actuators 131, 132 and133, respectively, which are similar in construction, operation and mounting as are the actuators at the other unloading stations.

Limit switch 130 and its actuator 133 arepositioned adjacent the exit end of the station, limit switch 129 and its actuator 132 are positioned adjacent the entrance end of thestation and at a predetermined distance from actuator 133, and limit switch 128 and its actuator 131 are positioned adjacent the entrance'end of the station and at a predetermined distance upstream with respect to the direction of travel of the ties on the conveyor from actuator 132.

Limit switch 128 is a double pole switch connected in the circuits to the up solenoids of valves 83, 83' of the station; limit switch '129iis .a single pole switch connected in the circuits to the up solenoids of valves 83, 83 and limit switch 130 is a double .pole iswitch connected in the circuits to the up and down solenoids of valves 83, '83.

As shown in FIG. 19, the circuit for operating the up solenoid of -valve 83 may be traced from the 1110 volt supply line S through wire 134 to the up solenoid and from the up solenoid through wire 135 to contact 136 of double pole switch 128, from contact 137 of switch 128 through jumper wire 138'to contact 139 of the switch and from contact 139 of the switch through wire '14il-to single pole limit switch 129, from switch 129 through wire 141 to contact 142 of double pole limit switc 130, from contact 143' of switch 130 through wire 144 back to supply'line S.

The circuit for operating'the down solenoid of valve 83 may be traced from the supply'line-S through 145 to the downsolenoid and-from thedown solenoidthrough wire 146 to contact 147 of double pole 10 limits'witch -130, and from contact 148 of switch 136 through wire .149 backto supplyline'S.

The -.circuit for operating the up solenoid of valve '83 may be traced from the supply line S through wire 150-toi.the up solenoid .and from the"up solenoid through wire .151 to contact 152 of double pole limit .switch 128, from contact 139 of switch 128 through wire 140 tosingle pole limit switch 129, from switch 129 through -wire 141 to contact 142 of double pole limit switch .130, :from contact 143 ofswitch through wire 144 back to supply line S.

Thecircuit for operating the down solenoid of valve 83 may be traced from the supply'line S through wire .153 to .down.solenoid and from the down solenoid throughwires 154 and 146 to contact 147 of double pole limit-switch 130, andfrom contact 148 of switch 130 :through wire 149 back to supply line S.

Themannerin .which the limit switches 128, 129 and 130 are operated to cause all ties of .a predetermined length to be kicked off on one side of the conveyor .onto ramp 84, allties of a length greater than the ties kicked off onto ramp S4 to be kicked off onto ramp 84' and permit all ties of a length'less than said predetermined lengthsto pass through the loading station to the next succeeding loading station is believed apparent. For example, if it is to be assumed that all ties 17' in length are to be kicked ofl onto ramp 84, all ties 17' 6" in length or longer are to be kicked off onto ramp 84 and all ties 16' 6" in length or shorter are to be permitted to pass through the loading station to the next succeeding loading station, then limit switch 128 and its actuator 13 1 would be positioned at such a distance from limit switch 136 and its actuator 133 as to permit a tie 17' in length, as it travels down the conveyor, to move out of engagement with actuator 131 of switch 128 before it engaged actuator 133 of limit switch 130; and limit switch 129 and .its actuator 132 would be positioned at such a distance from limit switch 130 and its actuator as to .permit tall ties less than 17', as they travel down the conveyor, to move out of engagement with actuator 132 of limit switch 129 before they engage actuator 133 of limit switch 130. Thus, as a tie moves along the conveyor intothe loading station it would first engage actuator 131 of limit switch 128 and, by depressing the actuator, move the double pole switch 128 from its normally resiliently maintained position in which it closed the circuit to the up solenoid of valve 83' and opened the circuit to the up solenoid of valve 83' to a position in which the switch opened the circuit to the up solenoid of valve 83 and closed the circuit to the up solenoid of valve 83', next the tie would depress the actuator 132 closing the normally resiliently held open single pole switch :129 in the circuits to the up solenoids of valves 83 and 83', then, if the tie is 17' in length it will move out of engagement of actuator 131 of switch 128 before it engages actuator 133 of switch 130 and switch 128 will be resiliently moved into its normal position, closing the circuit to the up solenoid of valve 83 and opening the circuit to up solenoid of valve 83' and thereby causing kick-oif device 81 to operate to kick off the 17 tie onto ramp 84; if the tie is less than 17' in length it will move out of engagement with actuator 132 of single pole limit switch 129 before it engages actuator 1-33 of limit switch 130, thereby permitting switch 129 to return to its normally resiliently maintained open position, opening the circuits to the up solenoids of valves 83 and 83' so that the tie may pass through the unloading station to the next unloading station; if the tie is over 17' in length it will, after having depressed actuators 131 and 132 of limit switches 128 and129, respectively,move into engagement with actuator 133 of double pole limit switch 130 and, by depressing the actuator, move the double pole switch 130 from its normally resiliently maintained position, in which it closed the circuits to the"up solenoids of both valves to a position-in which itopens the circuits to'the down sole- 1 1 noids of valves 83 and 83' and completes the closing of the circuit to the up solenoid of valve 83', thereby causing kick-off device 81 to operate to kick-off the tie onto the ramp 84'.

Obviously, unloading stations operated as immediately above described can be used for any number of stations where it is preferred to separate the longest lengths first; also, the two systems of separating longest first or shortest first may be combined to separate certain of the longest length or shortest length in any desired sequence, so long as the separation begins with the longest or shortest lengths and progresses to the next longest or shortest length.

The delivery conveyor for delivering the green switch ties, one at a time, onto the marking conveyor 10, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, comprises a laterally spaced parallel pair of inclined track assemblages, indicated generally at 155, 155', forming a ramp leading up to the marking conveyor 10.

The track assemblages 155, 155', are identical in construction and each is shown as comprising a laterally spaced pair of structural beams 156, 156', rigidly secured together by suitable brace members and having their upper and lower ends supported by suitable framework, indicated generally at 157; sprocket wheels 158, 158' positioned between the structural beams 155, 155' at their upper and lower end portions,vrespectively, and fixedly mounted on the end portions of upper and lower horizontal shafts 159, 159' extending between the track assemblages and having their ends journaled in the beam members 156, 156; a sprocket chain 160 extending over the sprocket wheels 158, 158' and carrying laterally spaced lugs 161 each provided with an upstanding stop member 162 adapted to engage a tie and move it up the track assemblage; a pair of guide and support members 163, 163, in the form of angle irons, mounted on the tops of the flanges of the beam members 156, 156',

respectively, to form a guiding channel for the lugs 161 carried by the upper reach of the sprocket chain and with their upper surfaces providing a flat support surface upon which one end portion of the tie rests as it is pulled up the ramp. The sprocket chains are driven by a motor 164 connected by a sprocket chain 165 to drive the upper sprocket carrying shaft 159.

A pair of guiding and supporting members 166, 166' are mounted on the upper ends of the track assemblages 155, 155 respectively, to furnish support and guiding means for the ties as they tumble oi? the ramp onto the marking conveyor, and a plurality of upstanding laterally spaced rigid stop members 167 are mounted on the outer beam 17 of the marking conveyor opposite the delivery conveyor to prevent any ties from falling off the marking conveyor as they are delivered thereon from the delivery conveyor.

The delivery conveyor is designed to deliver the green switch ties, one at a time, onto the marking conveyor so thatthe ties, as they are received on the marking conveyor, will be longitudinally spaced from each other.

The operation of the delivery conveyor 16 is automatically controlled to accomplish this purpose by means of three limit switches 168, 169 and 170 connected in the electric circuit to the starter-S of the motor 164 which drive the delivery conveyor.

The limit switches 168 and 169, schematically shown in FIG. 15, may be of any suitable usual type and are mounted on the marking conveyor below the top level of the conveyor rollers and with their respective upstanding operating arms positioned to be engaged by actuators 171 and 172, respectively. The actuators 171, 172 are similar in construction to the actuator 64 which operates limit switch 61 employed to control the operation of the marking device, and are mounted on the conveyor in a generally similar manner. Actuator 171 is positioned opposite the delivery conveyor so that it will be engaged and operated by each tie as it is delivered from the delivery conveyor onto the marking conveyor. Actuator 172 is positioned down stream, with reference to the normal direction of travel of the ties on the marking conveyor, a predetermined distance from actuator 171 so that it will be engaged by each tie as it moves along the conveyor before the tie moves out of engagement with actuator 171.

Limit switch 170, which may be of any usual suitable double pole type, is mounted on the upper end portion of track assembly of the delivery conveyor in a position so that the switch actuator 173, which operates the operating arm 174, will be engaged and operated by each tie as it moves up the delivery conveyor just before the tie is in position to fall from the delivery conveyor onto the marking conveyor.

The electrical circuits which permit the stopping and starting of the motor 164 by the limit switches 168, 169 and 170, are diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 15. As there shown, the motor starter S is controlled by two separate'circuits, circuit one in which limit switches 168, 169 and are connected in series, and circuit two in which only limit switch 170 is connected.

Limit switches 168 and 169 are single pole switches normally resiliently held in position to .close circuit one; however, each switch will be opened whenever its actuator is depressed by a tie resting thereon.

Limit switch 170 is a double pole switch normally resiliently maintained in a position to close circuit two and open circuit one, but operable each'time its operating arm is engaged by a tie passing up the delivery conveyor to open circuit two and close circuit one until the tie has passed out of engagement with the operating arm, when the switch will be resiliently operated to resume its normal position closing circuit two and opening circuit one.

Circuit one may be traced from the starter S through wire 175 to contact 176 of double pole switch 170 and from contact 177 of switch 170 through wire 178 to single pole limit switch 168, from switch 168 through wire 179 to single pole limit switch 169, and from switch 169 through wire 180 back to starter S.

Circuit two may be traced from the starter S through wire 175 to contact 176 of double pole limit switch 170, from contact 176 through jumper wire 181 to contact 182 of the switch, and from contact 183 of the switch through wires 184 and 180 back to starter S.

From the foregoing, the manner in which the presence or absence of a .tie in engagement with either actuator of the limit switches 168 and 169 controls the operations of motor 164 is believed apparent. When no tie is engaging either actuator 171 or 172, circuit one to the starter will be closed through these two switches. Limit switch 170 is operated by each tie as it moves up the delivery conveyor to open circuit two and close circuit one. This action takes place so quickly that the motor is not stopped unless either one of the limit switches 168 and 169 has been opened by the engagement of its actuator with a tie on the marking conveyor. When this happens, the motor is stopped until the tie on the marking conveyor has been moved out of engagement with the actuators 171, 172; then, as circuit one is completely closed to the starter S, the motor starts up again. The foregoing action insures that no'tie will be piled on top of another on the marking conveyor and that the ties thereon will be longitudinally spaced from each other.

From all of the foregoing, it is believed that the operation of the entire system is apparent.

The movements of the marking and trimming conveyors are so controlled by the saw operator as to successively bring each tie deposited on the marking con- 13 which is furthermostjrpm the front end of the tie. After the tie has had both ends trimmed, it is passed onto the sorting conveyor and travels therealong until it is automatically kicked off at an unloading station, such action being determined by the length of the tie.

As the tie passes down the sorting conveyor it automatically operates the register showing the total number of ties trimmed and, as it slides down the ramp at the unloading station at which it is kicked on it automatically operates the register showing the number of ties kicked off at that particular station.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that there has been provided novel apparatus for trimming green switch ties to required lengths and then automatically sorting the trimmed ties into length groups; apparatus in which each tie is automatically loaded onto a conveyor and conveyed past a marking device which marks the tie, then past a trimming device where both ends of the tie are trimmed, with the trimming device automatically controlling the operation of the marking device, and then passed along a sorting conveyor having a series of unloading stations where each tie is ejected from the conveyor automatically, the ejecting operation being controlled by the particular length of the tie, so that all trimmed ties of the same length group are ejected at the same unloading station.

While the apparatus of the invention has been described as employed for trimming green switch ties to required lengths and automatically sorting the trimmed ties into length groups, obviously, the apparatus may be employed to trim and sort dry switch ties as well as various other types of lumber.

Obviously, the invention is not restricted to the particular embodiments thereof herein shown and described.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for automatically sorting switch ties trimmed to various predetermined lengths, with each tie differing in length from the next longer tie by an equal predetermined increment comprising an elongated conveyor having a plurality of longitudinally spaced power driven rollers mounted thereon over which the ties pass as they travel lengthwise down the conveyor from its receiving end; a plurality of unloading stations located at longitudinally spaced positions along the conveyor at each of which all ties of two predetermined lengths are ejected from the conveyor; each of said unloading stations including a pair of downwardly inclined ramps positioned on opposite sides of the conveyor in position to receive the ties ejected from the conveyor at the loading station, a pair of kick-off devices, one for ejecting ties of one predetermined length on one side of the conveyor and one for ejecting ties of another predetermined length on the other side of the conveyor, each of said kick-E devices including a shaft rotatably mounted on the conveyor on the side thereof adjacent the ramp onto which the kickofi device ejects the tie and carrying a plurality of axially spaced kick-0E arms projecting inwardly therefrom, said arms normally being maintained in a down position below a tie moving along the conveyor and being swingable by the rotation of said shaft to an up position whereby they will engage and kick off a tie positioned thereabove onto the ramp associated therewith; a double acting compressed air cylinder connected to rotate said shaft in both directions; and a valve operated by a pair of solenoids connected in separate circuits for controlling the flow of compressed air to and from said cylinder; and electrical control means for operating both of the solenoid operated valves including a plurality of limit switches connected to control the energizing and deenergizing of the solenoid operated valves; and a p urality of actuators 14 mounted on the conveyor in longitudinally spaced relation and with each actuator positioned to operate one of said limit switches when engaged by a tie passing through the unloading station.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein four limit switches and four actuators are employed, a first actuator positioned adjacent the ramps at the entrance end of the station, a second actuator positioned intermediate the ramps, a third actuator positioned at the exit end of the station and at a predetermined distance from said first actuator, and a fourth actuator positioned at the exit end of the station a predetermined distance down stream with respect to the direction of travel of the ties on said conveyor beyond said third actuator and wherein said limit switches are so connected in the circuits to the solenoids of the solenoid operated valves, that when a tie of a length such that it engages and operates said second actuator without engaging said first and third ac tuators is received on the station the circuits to one of said solenoid operated valves will be closed, thereby operating the kick-ofi device associated therewith and causing the tie to be ejected onto the ramp on one side of the station, and when a tie of a length such that it engages and operates said second and third actuators without engaging the first and fourth actuators, is received on the station, the circuits to the other of said solenoid operated valves will be closed, thereby operating the kick-0E device associated therewith and causing the tie to be ejected onto the ramp on the other side of the station, and when a tie of a length such that it engages and operates all of said four actuators enters the station it will pass through the station without operating either of the two kick-cit devices.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1, wherein three limit switches and three actuators are employed, a first actuator positioned adjacent the exit end of the station, a second actuator positioned adjacent the entrance end of the station and at a predetermined distance from said first actuator, and a third actuator positioned adjacent the entrance end of the station and at a predetermined distance up stream with respect to the direction of travel of the ties on the conveyor from said second actuator, and wherein said limit switches are so connected in the circuits to the solenoids of the solenoid operated valves that when a tie of a length such that it engages and operates said first and said second actuators without engaging the third actuator, is received at the station, the circuit to one of said solenoid operated Valves will be closed, thereby operating the kick-off device associated therewith and causing the tie to be ejected onto the ramp on one side of the station, and a tie of a length such that it engages and operates all three actuators is received on the station the circuits to the other of said solenoid operated valves will be closed, thereby operating the kick-ofi device associated therewith and causing the tie to be ejected onto the ramp on the other side of the station, and with all ties of lesser length permitted to pass through the station without operating either of the kickofi devices.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,220,799 Tanner Mar. 27, 1917 1,945,455 Wallace Jan. 30, 1934 2,748,937 Casler June 5, 1956 2,821,301 Montague Jan. 28, 1958 2,835,385 Eckhart May 20, 1958 2,867,323 Cook Jan. 6, 1959 

